Cllr Ali Thomas
Shoppers in Neath and Port Talbot town centres will be able to park free in the run-up to Christmas.
In previous years the Council has granted limited free parking for one week and completely free parking for the period immediately before Christmas.
At a council meeting this week, councillors have agreed to continue the practice and this Christmas there will be free parking in off street car parks after 2pm between December 14th and 19th and free parking all day from Sunday December 20th to the 24th.
The move will be welcomed by shoppers and traders alike. It will mean a potential loss of income of around £18,000 to the council but this will be managed within budgets.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said: “It is important, especially at a time of financial constraint, that the council does all it can to help attract Christmas shoppers to Neath Port Talbot.
“Free parking will improve business turnover for traders and also help shoppers with their Christmas shopping.
“This practice has been successful in the past and I am sure it will be welcomed by both shoppers and traders in 2009.”
